Lincoln Nautilus

Importing a used Lincoln Nautilus from the USA

Lincoln left the German market long ago, so the Nautilus — Ford's American luxury brand's mid-size SUV — is a pure import proposition. It is a plush, quiet, comfort-first two-row crossover that leans into isolation rather than sportiness, and that character is exactly what draws buyers who are tired of firm-riding German rivals. Importing a used Lincoln Nautilus from the USA gets you a genuinely different luxury SUV, but the customs picture depends heavily on the model year, because the build location changed dramatically between generations.

USCar Trader is an independent intermediary for used vehicles only. No margin, no manufacturer relationship, no new-car sales. Here is what you need to know.

Model history and generations

The Nautilus name arrived in 2019 as a rebrand and heavy facelift of the Lincoln MKX. That first Nautilus generation (2019–2023) rode on Ford's CD4 platform and was built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. For 2024 Lincoln introduced an all-new second generation — a longer, more modern SUV defined by a full-width 48-inch panoramic display spanning the dashboard — and shifted production to Changan Ford in Hangzhou, China. That change of country is the single most important fact for anyone importing, because origin drives the duty position. Most affordable used candidates today are first-generation 2019–2022 cars.

Engines and drivetrain

The first-generation Nautilus offers two turbocharged petrol engines: a 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 hp, and a stronger 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 335 hp and a muscular 380 lb-ft of torque. Both use an eight-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The 2.7 V6 is the one enthusiasts seek for effortless overtaking. The 2024 second generation moves to a 2.0-litre turbo with 250 hp and a new 2.0-litre hybrid delivering around 310 hp through a CVT, reflecting Lincoln's shift toward electrification.

Which trim makes sense

The Nautilus is a five-door, five-seat mid-size SUV. First-generation US trims run Standard, Select, Reserve and the top Black Label, the last adding premium leather themes, Revel audio and concierge-style features. The 2024 car uses Premiere, Reserve and Black Label. For import, a well-optioned Reserve with the 2.7 V6 is the classic sweet spot — strong performance and the full comfort suite without Black Label pricing.

Supply on the US market

First-generation Nautilus cars are readily available across the States, typically as lease returns and one-owner luxury trades with 30,000–70,000 miles. Because Lincoln buyers tend to be gentle, condition is often excellent, and sun-belt cars are free of road-salt corrosion. The newer 2024 cars are still scarce and command a premium on the used market.

Who benefits from importing

The Nautilus is for the buyer who wants a supremely comfortable, quiet luxury SUV with a distinctly American flavour that Europe never sold. If value and proven mechanicals matter, target a first-generation 2.7 V6. If you want the show-stopping 48-inch display and hybrid efficiency, the 2024 car is the goal — with the customs caveats that its Chinese build brings.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

The first-generation Nautilus is a mature design and generally dependable, but the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 has some known items worth checking. It uses a wet timing belt (belt-in-oil) that demands strict oil-change discipline; neglected oil can accelerate belt wear, so insist on full service history. Owners have reported carbon build-up on the direct-injected engines over higher mileage, and some early cars had cooling-system and turbo-related complaints. The 2.0T is simpler and very robust. Across the range, the SYNC infotainment on early cars occasionally needed software updates. A carefully maintained Nautilus is a quiet, long-legged cruiser; a neglected 2.7 is one to walk away from.

US and EU spec compared

US Nautilus cars use MPH instruments, US lighting with side markers and no rear fog lamp, and US-band audio and navigation. Adaptive cruise and lane systems function normally. The adaptation work for German approval is confined to lighting, instrumentation and documentation.

The import process in detail

Selection of the right car; VIN and origin check to confirm whether the build is Canadian or Chinese; a secured escrow payment; ocean freight to a European port; customs clearance on arrival; TÜV inspection with an individual approval (§21 StVZO) where required; then registration at your Zulassungsstelle.

What customs clearance really costs

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges, always stated apart. Import duty: the 0% EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to vehicles of provable US origin, valid from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2029, with direct transport. The Nautilus is critical here — the first generation is built in Oakville, Canada and the 2024 car in Hangzhou, China, so neither is US-built, and neither meets the US-origin condition. The applicable duty rate therefore depends on the actual plant shown by the VIN and the relevant tariff for that country of origin; we never present it as duty-free. Second: 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies on the customs value in every case. We add no margin.

TÜV, modifications and registration

Typical work covers a rear fog lamp, ECE lighting adaptation, a km/h speedometer, and a full technical and emissions file for the individual approval. The odometer is documented in kilometres. With complete paperwork the Nautilus clears type approval smoothly.

Check before you buy

Verify the VIN, the title and — crucially — the plant code and country of build. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title brands and odometer consistency. On 2.7 V6 cars, insist on complete oil-change records. Inspect for corrosion, favouring sun-belt cars. Confirm a clean, non-salvage title. Test-drive for smooth power delivery and quiet running. Check all recalls are closed.

Common questions

Where is the Lincoln Nautilus built?

The 2019–2023 first generation is built in Oakville, Canada; the 2024 second generation is built in Hangzhou, China. Neither is a US build.

Can the Nautilus be imported duty-free?

No. Because it is not US-built, it does not meet the US-origin condition for the 0% rate. The duty depends on the plant shown by the VIN, and the 19% import VAT always applies.

Was the Nautilus sold in Germany?

No. Lincoln has no German network, so every Nautilus here is imported.

Which engine should I choose?

The 2.7 EcoBoost V6 offers effortless performance; the 2.0T is simpler and very reliable.

Is the 2.7 V6 reliable?

Yes with disciplined oil changes, given its wet timing belt. Demand full service history.

What is the 48-inch display?

It is the full-width panoramic screen introduced on the 2024 second-generation car.

What mileage is ideal?

First-generation cars with 30,000-70,000 miles are the value sweet spot.

How long does import take?

Usually several weeks from purchase to registration, driven by freight and customs.

To get started, browse Lincoln in the Carhub, compare the Lincoln Aviator and the smaller Lincoln Corsair, or view current Nautilus listings.